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Tactical
Shotgun Rules
A properly configured shotgun is an awesome weapon in the
hands of a skilled user. It has numerous civilian, law
enforcement and military applications. Due to its popularity as
a hunting gun, a shotgun of some type can be found in the homes
of most gun owners. For purposes of competition, the various
configurations have been broken up into four classes: Riot Gun –
Pump, Riot Gun – Auto, Enhanced Shotgun – Pump and Enhanced
Shotgun – Auto.
The Riot Gun classes are of the basic configuration generally
used for law enforcement, home defense and military
applications. These are typically short barreled, extended
magazine capacity shotguns. Recoil reduction modifications and
accessories, such as porting, compensators and recoil reducers
are not allowed in this class. This is not because they aren't
"tactically sound", but purely for competition reasons. The
"typical" shotgun for this class is the Remington 870 shotgun,
with 18 ½" barrel, 2 round magazine extension and rifle or ghost
ring sights. Barrels of up to 21" are allowed in this class to
accommodate the 20" Mossberg M590 and the numerous 21" Remington
slug barrels. In other words, you can take your plain Remington
deer gun, add a magazine extension, and you are ready to go.
Magazine capacity has been normalized to that of the Remington
870 with a two round magazine extension (6 + 1). Shotguns with
higher capacities must download.
The Enhanced Shotgun classes were designed to accommodate
virtually everything else. Most of the features that place a
shotgun in this class make them easier and faster to shoot,
because of weight, recoil reduction modifications and longer
barrels / sight radii. This class accommodates the "Three Gun"
competition type shotguns, such as the Benelli M1 Super 90
Practical, in addition to standard field guns, which have longer
barrels (28" max). In other words, you can take your Remington
870 / 1100 pheasant / rabbit gun, add an extended magazine, and
you are ready to go.
A fifth class is being considered, "Entry Gun" Class. These
would be short barreled (NFA), short magazine guns. This class
would be very similar to the Riot Gun classes, but barrels must
be less than 18" and may only be loaded to 4 + 1. Quite a few
LEO's have these weapons and they are truly the ideal weapons
for many tactical situations. In general, we usually only have
one or two shooters in any given match with these guns, so we
lump them in with the Riot Gun classes. However, if there are
sufficient shooters to justify it, we will break them out into
their own class.
- 1.1.1. Pump-actions only
- 1.1.2. 10 or 12 ga.
- 1.1.3. 21" barrel maximum, smooth bore only, any choke (all
NFA rules apply for barrel lengths less than 18")
- 1.1.4. No porting, compensators or other recoil reduction
devices, such as: weights, spring systems, mercury tubes, etc.,
may be used. (NFA guns with barrels under 18" may be ported.)
- 1.1.5. Iron sights only, no optics
- 1.1.6. Guns may be loaded to a maximum of 6 + 1 rounds,
standard tubular magazines only.
- 1.1.7. The use of speed loader tubes is not allowed in this
class.
- 1.1.8. The use of a sling may be required for some matches.
- 1.2.1. Auto-loaders only
- 1.2.2. 10 or 12 ga.
- 1.2.3. 21" barrel maximum, smooth bore only, any choke (all
NFA rules apply for barrel lengths less than 18")
- 1.2.4. No porting, compensators or other recoil reduction
devices, such as: weights, spring systems, mercury tubes, etc.,
may be used. (NFA guns with barrels under 18" may be ported.)
- 1.2.5. Iron sights only, no optics
- 1.2.6. Guns may be loaded to a maximum of 6 + 1 rounds,
standard tubular magazines only.
- 1.2.7. The use of speed loader tubes is not allowed in this
class.
- 1.2.8. The use of a sling may be required for some matches.
- 1.3.1. Pump-actions only
- 1.3.2. 10, 12 ga., or 20 ga. (see ammo restrictions)
- 1.3.3. 28" barrel maximum (including compensators), smooth
bore only, any choke (all NFA rules apply for barrel lengths
less than 18")
- 1.3.4. Porting and compensators are allowed. Other recoil
reduction devices may be used as long as they are contained
within the stock, receiver or magazine tube. For example, a
mercury or spring-recoil reduction system that is contained
with the stock is allowed, an external, clamp-on weight or
mercury tube is NOT allowed.
- 1.3.5. Iron sights, optical or electronic sights are
allowed. Note: if optical or electronic sights are used, they
must be quick detachable without the use of tools and the gun
must be equipped with back-up iron sights (a front bead is
sufficient) OR have auxiliary iron sights which are mounted
outside of the optic sight's field of view. For example, many
optical sight mounts have large thumbwheels or levers, which
can be loosened by hand. These are considered "quick
detachable". Another allowable example is the ACOG sight with
auxiliary iron sights mounted on top of the scope tube.
- 1.3.6. Guns may be loaded to a maximum of 8 + 1 rounds, box
magazines allowed.
- 1.3.7. The use of speed loader tubes is allowed in this
class.
- 1.3.8. The use of a sling may be required for some matches.
- 1.4.1. Auto-loaders only
- 1.4.2. 10, 12 ga., or 20 ga. (see ammo restrictions)
- 1.4.3. 28" barrel maximum (including compensators), smooth
bore only, any choke (all NFA rules apply for barrel lengths
less than 18")
- 1.4.4. Porting and compensators are allowed. Other recoil
reduction devices may be used as long as they are contained
within the stock, receiver or magazine tube. For example, a
mercury or spring-recoil reduction system that is contained
with the stock is allowed, an external, clamp-on weight or
mercury tube is NOT allowed.
- 1.4.5. Iron sights, optical or electronic sights are
allowed. Note: if optical or electronic sights are used, they
must be quick detachable without the use of tools and the gun
must be equipped with back-up iron sights (a front bead is
sufficient) OR have auxiliary iron sights which are mounted
outside of the optic sight's field of view. For example, many
optical sight mounts have large thumbwheels or levers, which
can be loosened by hand. These are considered "quick
detachable". Another allowable example is the ACOG sight with
auxiliary iron sights mounted on top of the scope tube.
- 1.4.6. Guns may be loaded to a maximum of 8 + 1 rounds, box
magazines allowed.
- 1.4.7. The use of speed loader tubes is allowed in this
class.
- 1.4.8. The use of a sling may be required for some matches.
A
summary chart of these classes can be found here.
1.5. Please note that if a shotgun has ANY of the items
listed in the Enhanced Tactical Shotgun classes, it will not qualify for the
Riot Gun classes.
2.1. Ammunition Requirements:
- 2.1.1. Riot Gun – Pump / Auto - Full power buckshot (e.g.:
9 pellet 00, 16 pellet #1, 27 pellet #4, all with MAX dram
equivalent powder charge) and 1 oz (minimum) rifled slugs will
be the standard loads for the Riot Gun divisions. Heavy
birdshot loads may substituted if they meet the following
requirements: 1 ¼ oz. or heavier shot charge of #6 or larger
LEAD birdshot AND 3 ¼ or heavier dram equivalent of powder.
Typically, birdshot loads marketed as "hi-brass" or "heavy
field" loads meet these requirements. Shot charge weight and
dram equivalent powder charge is usually noted on the outside
of the box. It should be noted that many of these birdshot
loads, although acceptable for competition, do not knock over
Pepper Poppers as well as the better buckshot loads. Shooters
who choose to use birdshot loads accept the risk that their
ammo may not be as effective as buckshot in competition.
- 2.1.2. Enhanced Tactical Shotgun – Pump / Auto – Full power
buckshot or the allowable birdshot substitutes are the
preferred ammunition for this division. However, "tactical" or
"reduced recoil" buckshot will also be allowed, but only in the
Enhanced Tactical Shotgun divisions. In addition, any buckshot
or birdshot load (#6 birdshot minimum), including 20 ga., whose
published ballistics meet or exceed a power factor of 545,000
(shot weight in grains X velocity in fps) may be used in the
Enhanced Tactical Shotgun divisions. Factory published data
(shot weight and velocity) must be presented to the match
directors for any ammunition that does not meet the 1 ¼ oz - 3
¼ dram standards of "full power" loads in section 2.1.1. For
example, Remington's 20 ga. #3 buckshot, 20-pellet load exceeds
the power factor of many 12 ga "tactical buckshot" loads,
according to factory published data, so it is usable in the
Enhanced classes. If a shooter is competing with a gun that
would otherwise be classified as a Riot Gun Pump / Auto, but is
using "tactical" or "reduced recoil" buckshot, or allowable 20
ga. ammo, they will be bumped into the appropriate Enhanced
Tactical Shotgun division. "Tactical" slugs will also be
allowed in the Enhanced Tactical Shotgun divisions. "Shorty"
ammo, like the type made by Aguila will not be allowed.
- 2.1.3. Note: Ladies will be accommodated to the extent that
it is possible, so that they can take part in this physically
demanding competition. This includes allowing any safe
ammunition that would not normally qualify for competition.
Contact the directors for details.
2.2. Ammunition
required for different target types: It is very important that the shooter
always be aware of the type of ammunition loaded in his gun. In general,
buckshot will be required for steel targets and slugs will be required for paper
targets. This will be specified in the course descriptions and clarified
wherever needed by the Match Director / Safety Officer. If a shooter engages a
target requiring a slug with a buckshot load, it will be scored as a miss. If a
shooter engages a target requiring a buckshot load with a slug, it will be
scored as a miss. If a shooter hits a steel target with a slug, he may be given
a procedural penalty or disqualified at the Match Director's discretion. A fine
may be levied for damage done to steel targets hit by slugs. It is the
responsibility of the course designer to minimize the likelihood of this
happening through well thought-out course design.
2.3. Spare
ammunition carried on the shooter's body must be carried in a practical and
relatively secure manner. For example: chest bandoliers, waist belt bandoliers,
Choate belt carriers, tactical assault vests, wrist cuffs, etc. If you are
unsure about your carry method, contact the match director prior to the match
for clarification.
2.4. Spare ammunition may also be carried on
the gun by using speed-feed stocks, receiver "side-saddles", butt stock cuffs or
in loops on a sling. NOTE: If you choose to use an ammo carrier attached to the
gun, it must be attached to the gun and loaded during ALL stages of a match. It
does not make sense to have an ammo carrier that is only used sometimes, but not
others. In the real world, you will rarely know what you are facing ahead of
time. For this reason, butt-cuffs or any other ammo carrier that may impede
weak-side shoulder shooting, are strongly discouraged. In addition, your match
directors will look dimly upon shooters that use certain ammo carriers for some
matches, but not others, depending on the course of fire. Pick something that is
going to work all of the time, and stick with it
2.5. Spare
ammunition may not be carried in Trap / Skeet type belt pouches. Carrying ammo
in large, unsecured or open-top clothing pockets (for example, un-buttoned cargo
pockets on BDU's) is not encouraged, but is allowed. Please note that ammo carry
method may be specified for any individual shooting string (for example everyone
uses the same method, such as ammo is located in a coffee can, etc.).
3.1. Unless otherwise
specified, the default method for reloading will be the Ready Position Reload.
3.2. The Ready Position Reload: The function of the Ready Position
Reload is to keep the gun in a position relatively close to the shooting
position, while reloading. In other words, "right-side up", with the butt at the
shoulder, or very close to the shoulder. The intent here is to require a type of
reload that is more "tactically correct" under most circumstances, even though
it may not be the "fastest" way to completely load a gun that is empty. When
using this type of reload, the shooter can very quickly get his gun back into
action when confronted by a hostile combatant. In many cases, shooters often
reload their shotguns by bringing the gun down from the shoulder, flipping it
over to expose the loading port, and quickly filling the magazine, using the
strong hand. Although this is very fast, the shooter is entirely vulnerable if a
bad guy were to come around the corner. With the Ready Position Reload, the
shooter at least has the gun and strong hand in a position to "threaten" a
hostile combatant, if not shoot him outright, one-handed. Due to the many
differences in operation from gun to gun (especially with certain auto-loaders),
this type of reload could be very difficult to perform if the gun must be
cleared of one type of ammo and loaded with another. Hence, the shooter will be
allowed to do whatever he needs to do to get his gun back into action when
changing to a different ammo type.
- 3.2.1. Preferred method: The shooter maintains a "shooting
grip" on the grip area of the butt (finger out of the trigger
guard) with the strong hand while holding the butt into the
shoulder. The muzzle may be pointed slightly above or below
horizontal, but should be pointed in the general direction of
possible threats (and, of course, in a safe direction). The
shooter then loads the chamber and / or magazine with the weak
hand. The gun's action may be tilted from side-to-side, but
should never be turned to the point that the loading port of
the magazine is facing "up".
- 3.2.2. Due to the fact that some shooters lack the upper
body strength to easily carry out the preferred method, the
following two variations are also allowed:
- · Rather than holding the butt to the shoulder, the
shooter can bring the gun down slightly, bringing the butt
into the armpit area.
- · The shooter may hold the shotgun against his shoulder by
gripping the fore-end with the weak hand, applying pressure
back towards the shoulder. Reloading is then done with the
strong hand.
- 3.3. If the chamber is unloaded or has a spent shell in
it, the very first round of the Ready Position Reload must be
loaded directly into the chamber, or loaded into the magazine
and immediately loaded into the chamber by working the action.
This must be done before any additional rounds are loaded into
the magazine.
3.4. In the event that the slide release
must be pressed, or a jam must be cleared, the shooter may un-shoulder the
shotgun until the situation is resolved, then bring it back to the shoulder and
resume the reload.
3.5. This reload will be specified under most
circumstances where a shooter is reloading or topping off his magazine "on the
clock", especially when there are more threat targets to neutralize, or if it is
unknown if any threat targets remain. When transitioning from buckshot to slugs
or vice versa, this reload type is not required and the shooter may use whatever
method he chooses. This type of reload is called a Transition Reload. It is
suggested that the shooter think ahead and place his spare ammunition in a
location that will be accessible during this type of reload.
3.6.
Speedloaders may be used for a Ready Position Reload in Enhanced Shotgun
classes, but the gun must remain in the position dictated by the Ready Position
Reload during the entire reloading sequence. For Transition Reloads, the gun
does not have to be held in the Ready Position Reload position.
3.7.
Using any other type of reload when a Ready Position Reload is specified will
result in a procedural penalty.
3.8. If a reload is being executed from
behind cover, the shooter may not leave cover until the gun is loaded with at
least FOUR rounds. This requirement only pertains to situations where the
shooter is leaving cover, on the clock, to engage more targets.
Tactical
Shotguns can be used in many different ways and in many different scenarios.
Because of this, the following starting positions are recommended in Courses of
Fire.
4.1. Hip Ready: In this starting position, the gun is LOADED and
the safety is OFF. The gun is held at waist level, muzzle forward (down range).
Hands are placed on the fore-end and butt stock approximately the way they would
be in a firing position. Finger is outside of the trigger guard.
4.2. Shouldered - Low Ready: In this starting position, the gun is LOADED and the
safety is OFF. The gun is held with both hands gripping the gun in a firing
position, with the butt against the shoulder and the muzzled depressed towards
the ground at 45 degrees. Finger is outside of the trigger guard.
4.3. Slung – In this starting position, the gun is LOADED and the safety is ON.
The gun can be slung conventionally, on either shoulder, muzzle up or muzzle
down. "Tactical" slings which position the shotgun "hanging" in front of the
shooter's torso are allowed, but the muzzle direction must be controlled by the
shooter and kept pointed in a safe direction. Arms will be hanging
naturally.
4.4. Racked – In this starting position, the gun is LOADED
and the safety is ON. The gun is put in a gun rack, or otherwise secured in a
position off of the shooter's body. This starting position would be used in many
scenarios where the condition of surprise is being simulated.
4.5. Cruiser Ready – In this starting position, the magazine is LOADED, but the chamber
is EMPTY, the hammer is down and the safety is OFF. This gun is put in a rack or
otherwise secured in a position off of the shooter's body.
4.6. Unloaded – In this starting position, the gun is UN-LOADED and the safety is
OFF, with the ACTION OPEN. The gun is put in a rack or otherwise secured in a
position off of the shooter's body.
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